From Record Collector to Music Producer - A Journey Through

the Electronic Music Landscape

In a revealing interview, Christopher T met with Sync Beat’s Billy Aldea-Martinez and shared insights about his career in the music industry, reflecting on his beginnings, milestones, challenges, and aspirations. Here, we delve into his journey, the evolution of his work, and his vision for the future.

Early Beginnings

- Christopher T, a San Francisco Bay Area native, began his musical journey in third grade by collecting records, including Parliament Funkadelic and Chuck Berry. His passion for music expanded as he was introduced to the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Starship through his father’s friend. By seventh or eighth grade, Christopher was experimenting with mixing, using a Radio Shack mixer, two belt-driven turntables, and a stolen record player from his sister.

Professional Development

- Christopher’s professional DJ career took off in the mid-1980s. He reminisces about playing underground parties in San Francisco and later, legitimate gigs. By 1991, Christopher had firmly established himself as a DJ. However, it was his interest in production that marked a significant turning point. Starting with software like Reason and Cubase in the early 2000s, he honed his production skills, albeit finding DJing an easier path initially.

TransitIon to Production

- Christopher’s transition from DJ to producer was driven by the realization that to elevate his career, he needed to create original music. Despite initial resistance, he embraced production, acknowledging that not all DJs make good producers and vice versa. His early production work involved gigs in Thailand and Japan, and notable performan- ces in San Francisco’s iconic venues like 1015 Folsom and Ruby Skye.

Establishing Lovely Drops

- In pursuit of artistic freedom, Christopher founded his own record label, Lovely Drops. Inspired by Bay Area rappers who self-released their music, he utilized the digital age to distribute his work more efficiently. His label not only facilitated his own releases but also became a platform for other artists.

Musical Style and Influences

- Christopher T’s musical style is eclectic, encompassing tech house, jacking house, and soulful house. His productions often blur genre lines, resulting in tracks that span house, chill-out, tech house, and electronica. His versatility is evident in his approach to creating music, which starts with an idea that evolves through collaboration with vocalists and musicians.

Notable Collaborations and Relea-

ses

- One of Christopher’s memorable collaborations was with Mister V on the track “Perfect Plan.” This collaboration began serendipitously through a Twitter interaction and culminated in a well-received track. His ability to produce chart-topping music is reflected in several accolades, including a number one spot in the US for electronic dance music with “Time and Space” and another number one in Bermuda for “Funkin’ For Jamaica.”

Challenges and Resilience

- The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for Christopher, as live performances halted, affecting his income. He reverted to working full-time in software while continuing to produce music. Despite the difficulties, he managed to release tracks like “Time and Space” and “Scenic Route” during the pandemic.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Christopher aims to return to full-time music, focusing on live performances, festivals, and collaborations. He envisions Lovely

Drops growing as a label that helps artists chart on platforms like Beatport and Traxsource.

Christopher T’s journey through the music industry is a testament to passion, resilience, and adaptability. From collecting records as a child to becoming a renowned DJ and producer, his story is one of continuous evolution and dedication to his craft. As he looks to the future, Christopher remains committed to making music that resonates with audiences and contributes to the vibrant tapestry of the music industry.

Fans and aspiring artists can follow Christopher T’s work and updates through his official social media channels and his record label, Lovely Drops. His journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting that with perseverance and creativity, one can navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.

The Perfect Plan Release

Christopher T’s latest release, “The Perfect Plan” transforms the 2018 Tech House release into a Soulful House track. The bassline and guitar riff add a swinging groove that compels movement, enhanced by hypnotic drums and synth. “The Perfect Plan” highlights the instinctual connection between music and dance, effortlessly guiding movements and emotions. It will be released on August 8, 2024, on Beatport.com and all digital platforms.